Language choice and code-switching in casual conversations of Tai Dam bilinguals at Baan Huathanon of Nakhonpathom Province in Thailand

Abstract

This study explores the sociolinguistics of language choice and code-switching of Tai Dam bilinguals, whose language has been affected by Thai. A combination of ethnomethodological tools (observation, semi-structured informal interview and speaker self-rating, and record of conversation in various contexts) are employed as research tools. The result of the study shows that most generation 2 and generation 2 speakers are balanced bilinguals, whereas generation 3 speakers are divided into three groups: balanced bilinguals, dominant bilinguals and passive bilinguals. Code-switching tends to be prevalent among G2 speakers as they code-switch with peers, their children and grandchildren, whereas G3 speakers code-switch only with their parent’s generation. G1 speakers, on the other hand, code-switch only with the grandchildren’s generation. Finally, code-switching in G1 and G3 is found relatively rarely and with specific functions, whereas code-switching in G2 is much more prevalent. Regarding the type of code-switching, inter-sentential switching occurs principally with G1 and G2, whereas intra-sentential switching occurs with G3. Thematic switching is the prominent feature of G2 non home-bound speakers.